in Buenos Aires

VOS vs. TÚ

How problematic is it to choose between “tú” and “vos”? I think it is much more insignificant than it is generally thought to be:

Firstly, because there are formal differences in only two tenses: Indicative present and imperative mood -also in subjunctive present but it is less usual-; and lastly, because no matter which form you choose, it does not represent a problem understanding or being understood by other Spanish speakers from other countries.

Which are these differences?

Indicative present:

Vos: No irregularities, stress on the last syllable, change in the ending of “ir” verbs. There is only one irregular verb in the “vos” form for the present tense: SER. IR is also irregular but it’s exactly like “tú”.

Pens.ar

Pod.er

Ped.ir

S.er

Tú

Piens.as

Pued.es

Pid.es

Eres

Vos

Pens.ás

Pod.és

Ped.ís

Sos

Imperative mood (affirmative):

Vos: No irregularities, stress on the last syllable, change in the ending of “ir” verbs. There is only one irregular verb in the “vos” form for the imperative tense: IR

Pens.ar

Pod.er

Ped.ir

Ir

Tú

Piens.a

Pued.e

Pid.e

Ve

Vos

Pens.á

Pod.é

Ped.í

Andá

So, if you consider the whole scene, it is not a big deal at all. Who would I suggest to learn one form and who, the other one? I would encourage people on vacation to learn or use “tú” conjugation, especially the ones who have already learnt it and who are staying here for little time and/or only for tourism; whereas, I would totally recommend “vos” forms to the following people: